Johor all prepared to handle floods
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Segamat has been put on high alert due to the possibility of floods hitting the area in the second wave of the monsoon season.
Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) Johor director Mat Zin Bujang said they were on standby in view of floods that had been affecting the east coast states in the past week.
“Usually after (floods) hitting Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, Johor will be the next target. Our manpower and assets are on standby to respond at any time,” he said, adding that there were about 50 personnel stationed at each of the eight districts in the state.
Segamat was the district of focus because it was the worst-hit early this year, said Mat Zin.
“Other than Segamat, we want to remind residents in Tangkak, Mersing, Muar and Kota Tinggi to be on alert as well,” he said.
He said this yesterday during a ceremony where state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani handed over three five-tonne lorries, an amphibious boat and trailer, and a fourwheel drive to the personnel from three districts – Batu Pahat, Segamat and Johor Baru.
Mat Zin said it was timely that Johor APM received five new machineries and vehicles worth RM2.7mil from the Federal Government as this would help improve the respond time for emergencies.
With the new additions, he said APM did not need to borrow assets from other agencies such as the police and the Fire and Rescue Department.
“Johor APM has about 70 existing assets, some of which were more than seven years old,” he said.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) on Monday predicted heavy rains in several areas in Segamat, Mersing and Kota Tinggi all through the week until Sunday.
“It is still at the cautionary stage,” said its director-general Alui Bahari when contacted yesterday.
He said the department would update the public on the weather warning if the need arises.
In January this year, incessant rains starting from the last week of December last year caused floods in eight districts – Segamat, Muar, Tangkak, Mersing, Kluang, Batu Pahat, Kota Tinggi and Johor Baru.
More than 9,400 displaced victims sought shelter at 101 flood relief centres, with those living in Segamat being the most affected.
National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said it was equipped to handle floods and had been preparing for the worstcase scenario since May.
“My officers and I have gone to different states to meet with the disaster management agencies.
“We are ready to mobilise all available assets to provide help if deemed necessary,” he said.
Abdul Rashid said Nadma would be consulting MetMalaysia and the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) before deciding on the next course of action.
The latest updates and warnings are available at http://infobanjir. water.gov.my.
The website, administered by the DID, would alert the public whenever rivers are at the danger level or when there are heavy rains.